Ruamrudee International School

Ruamrudee International School recently organized a golf tournament on Sunday, December 2, 2001, at the President Country Club Golf Course located on Suwintawongse Road (on the way to Chachoengsao) in order to raise funds for the Model United Nations students. Not only did they participate in this year’s IASAS Conference in Kuala Lumphur, Malaysia but they will also participate in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference at The Hague, Netherlands. The 2002 RIS delegation to The Hague will represent the first school ever from Thailand to participate, which is indeed a great honor for RIS.

THIMUN is a five-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school students. The conference takes place annually at the end of January in The Netherlands Congress Centre (Nederlands Congrescentrum) in The Hague. The City of The Hague, which is the seat of the Dutch Parliament, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), is also the residence of the Dutch royal family, which has been very supportive of MUN over the years: two of the royal princes were delegates at THIMUN conferences. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was guest of honour at the XV and the XX Anniversary Sessions and, on the tenth anniversary of his own participation as a delegate, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander formally opened the XXV Anniversary Session in 1993. He also gave the keynote speech at the opening of the XXXII Annual Session in 2000.

The objectives are to seek, through discussion, negotiation and debate, solutions to the various problems of the world: e.g. questions of human rights, protection of the environment, economic development, disarmament, the problems of youth and of refugees, as well as the more critical issues of war and peace. The young delegates, in seeking solutions to these problems, can learn to break away from narrow, national self-interest and develop true international cooperation. The research and

preparation required, the adoption of views and attitudes other than their own, the involvement and interaction with so many other young people from around the world, all combine to give the young people a deep insight into the world’s problems, to make them aware of the causes of conflict between nations and to lead them to a better understanding of the interests and motivation of others. Thus, in a small way, the THIMUN Foundation, through its conferences, attempts to fulfil the aims and goals set by the founders of the United Nations in the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations: “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.”

The Phoenix Classic 2001 was open to students, teachers, parents, alumni of RIS and their friends. A team from NIST and two teams from BPS also joined our friendly tournament. The entrance fee included the green fee, caddie fee, and buffet dinner. The dinner and awards ceremony started at 5:00 pm.

The 92 participants played the tournament in teams of four according to the rules of a ‘Four-Ball’ Texas Scramble. The West/South course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. was grueling with numerous long par fours, allowing the players a no-nonsense test of ball-striking. Well-shaped shots with long irons and fairway metals were at a premium! Despite the difficulty of the course, most agreed it was a joy to play with the rolling terrain offering views of undeveloped tropical surroundings with a cool breeze.

Trophies were awarded to first, second, and third place team winners. Many admitted they joined the tournament despite their lack of golfing skills, and trophies were awarded to the team with the highest score. They also received complimentary coupons for 120 balls each to practice at the Aree Driving Range to better prepare them for next year’s tournament! They played for the fun and the camaraderie and received a great round of applause from everyone. There were also various individual prizes such as Mens, Ladies, and Students Nearest to the Pin, Men’s and Ladies Longest Drive, Roulette Drives and Hole in One.

The following are the results of the tournament:
Champions : Mr. Eric Jacklich, Mr. Mark Leonard, Ms. Aloha Lavina, Mrs. Kannikar Twishri
1st Runner-ups : Sam Lu, Mr. Don Stenson, Mr. Sumet Jiambutr, Mr. Eric Jordan
2nd Runner-ups : Benja Bencharongkul, Nardwadee Watanakij, Sinont Vongkusolkij, Sarin Vongkusolkij

We plan for this tournament to become an annual event and would like to thank all the sponsors and participants for your interest and support. Special thanks to A.K. Capital Co., Ltd. for sponsoring all the trophies, Bangkok Decal for the banners, and to all the others who donated prizes:
Mr. David Ng (Class of 1970)
Mr. Michael Ng (Class of 1971)
Mr. Jack Hardoon (Class of 1973)
Mrs. Shirley Seiverling Class of 1982)
Mr. Jamey Seiverling (Novo Tecnica Casting Ltd.)
Mr. Somchai Bencharongkul (Angel Airlines Co., Ltd.)
Mrs. Vannisa Marcar (Kwan Phirom, Watcharaphon)
Golf Organizer Inc. (Mr. Gallagher’s Business Studies Class)

River Kwai Village Hotel
The Regent Chaam Beach Resort
Grand Pacific Hotel
Novotel Lotus Bangkok
Sofitel Central Plaza Bangkok
Mrs. Rakvilai Srimarat (Carene Lotion Products)
Mrs. Watcharee Tanarongkorn (SereneTravel Bags)

By Shirley Gamble Seiverling
Student Life and Activities Coordinator